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Cologne

Cologne was raised to a 'colony' (hence the name), with city status by the Romans in 50 AD, and was later absorbed into the Gallic Empire, becoming the capital from 260-271. The city was highly prized by both of these communities, due mainly to its location on the River Rhine, which placed it at the intersection of the major trade routes east and west, and was the basis of Cologne's growth. In addition to this, several saints were martyred in the city and the relics of the Three Magi were acquired from Milan. Cologne then also became a centre of ecclesiastical importance, as well as a pilgrimage centre, meaning the city continued to prosper in the middle ages as a result. Following a slight decline in the city's fortunes, Cologne experienced something of a renaissance in the 18th century with a recipe involving distilling flower blossoms in alcohol. This 'toilet water' achieved worldwide fame as eau de Cologne.

Although Cologne was badly damaged in the Second World War, the Cathedral survived, and extensive restoration work has since taken place throughout the city. In the modern age Cologne has reclaimed its old role as a major trade and business centre - now a radio and television metropolis, and a beer city, with over twenty breweries producing Kölsch, the distinctive local beer. Whilst in Cologne you really ought to visit the vast Cathedral. The foundation stone was laid in 1248, and it was finally completed in 1880. Called "the mother of all German churches", it is one of the largest Gothic structures ever built, and its size reflects its power - it is the seat of the Primate of Germany. The Cathedral was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996, and today you can see the relics of the Three Magi, and climb the south tower for a spectacular view of the city and the Rhine.

Sightseeing in Cologne
Cologne's Old Town, which has been carefully restored to preserve its pre-war appearance, is also a joy to discover. It spreads from just south of the Cathedral to the bank of the Rhine. Here you can admire the tall and narrow pastel-coloured houses, set out along the Old Town's winding streets, as you wander to the Rhine Promenade for a stroll along the river. There are many traditional brewery taverns close to the Old Town, all of which serve Kölsch beer - brewed only in Cologne. You may wish to visit at least one of these to sample the beer for yourself.

If you have the time to explore further, Cologne boasts an assemblage of both Roman and medieval remains that is unsurpassed in Germany. For example Eigelsteintor, one of the three surviving magnificent city gates, is a short distance north. The other gates, Severinstor and Hahnentor, are further afield but also worth a visit.

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21 results matching: Escorted Rail Tours to Cologne

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Zell am See
4.3 stars(100 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
9 days from
£2,095 pp
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9 days from
£2,095
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  • DestinationAustria
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
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Glacier Express & St Moritz
4.2 stars(73 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSep
9 days from
£3,145 pp
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9 days from
£3,145
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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  • TransportRail
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Rhine Gorge
Rail & Cruise
Free Cabin Upgrade
4.3 stars(121 reviews)
2024MayJunJulSepOct
2025MayJunJul
8 days from
£1,895 pp
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8 days from
£1,895
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  • DestinationFrance, Germany, The Netherlands
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
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Salzburg
Rail & Cruise
Free Cabin Upgrade
4.2 stars(65 reviews)
2024JunJulAug
2025JunJulAug
11 days from
£2,595 pp
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11 days from
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Grand Alpine Explorer
4.5 stars(16 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSep
14 days from
£3,895 pp
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14 days from
£3,895
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Switzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International / London Heathrow
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
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7 days from
£2,695
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  • DestinationGermany
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
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Free Cabin Upgrade
9 days from
£1,695
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
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Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
Rail & Cruise
Free Cabin Upgrade
4.8 stars(28 reviews)
2024JunJulSep
2025MayJunJul
8 days from
£1,795 pp
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8 days from
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  • DestinationFrance, Germany, The Netherlands
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express in Winter
4.5 stars(38 reviews)
2025JanFebMar
7 days from
£1,795 pp
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£1,795
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Danube Bend
Rail & Cruise
Free Cabin Upgrade
4.6 stars(10 reviews)
2024JunJulAug
2025JunJulAug
11 days from
£1,995 pp
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11 days from
£1,995
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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The Harz Mountains
4.6 stars(67 reviews)
2025JanFeb
7 days from
£1,395 pp
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7 days from
£1,395
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  • DestinationGermany
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
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7 days from
£1,595
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  • DestinationGermany
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Our customers love our Cologne tours
Interlaken and the Jungfrau Express in Winter
16/Mar
NEWALL
5 stars
“superb holiday. The tour leader Yasmyn ( not sure how to spell it) was very good. Dealt with all train problems well. Hotel was good. The group of people were also very companionable. Overall fantastic. It would have been nice to have had another day, there was more to do. Picture is view from hotel room, lovely.
Collected by Trustpilot
Classic Glacier Express at New Year
16/Jan
Clifford Smy
5 stars
“Great scenery. Kay, our tour manager, was brilliant.
Collected by Trustpilot
Austrian Alps All-Inclusive
28 Oct 2023
Alan Bowles
5 stars
“We very much enjoyed this mini adventure, The hotel was typically Austrian - good food and comfortable. We liked the tour manager and delighted in the wonderful hotels in Mannheim and Cologne on the journeys. We think that it was a very busy holiday; we realised this I’m advance but good to know.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Majestic Rhine
14 Oct 2023
Robert
5 stars
“Modern boat with competent staff and excellent cuisine. Good balance with excursions and free time to relax and excellent value for money. Helpful and customer focused on board tour manager..
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn
10 Oct 2023
Tom A.
5 stars
“It was the best trip we have ever taken. Of course, we have perfect weather throughout the trip, a great group and the BEST Tour Director in Patricia Issac.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube
25 Sep 2023
stella lewis
5 stars
“The Amadeus crew looked after us extremely well and the ship was in pristine condition
Collected by Trustpilot
The Romantic Rhine
12 Aug 2023
David Parmley
5 stars
“An excellent itinerary, undertaken at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Harz Mountains in Winter
14/Mar
Brian Hubble
4 stars
“Good overall. Food indifferent. Excellent tour manager.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Alpine Explorer
05 Oct 2023
Roger Wicker
4 stars
“Stunning scenery, excellent excursions, overall good holiday
Collected by Trustpilot
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